Several readers have contacted The Courier to share concerns for their doctor -- Randeep S. Mann, owner of Skyline Medical Clinic.

Last week, The Courier reported the state medical board ordered an emergency suspension and notice of hearing charging Dr. Mann with alleged violation of the Medical Practices Act.

The board's documentation states 11 of Dr. Mann's patients were over prescribed scheduled medication.

We're not about to jump in the middle of the forthcoming debate and the hearing because both sides will have their time to present facts and witnesses June 7 at the board's offices in Little Rock.

However, we will stand up for some of Dr. Mann's patients who have contacted us since the story ran Friday.

Dr. Mann's conduct will be heard and ultimately judged on in June, but some of his patients' lives have been flipped upside down since Dr. Mann cannot practice medicine.

One patient who suffers from chronic pain and takes medication orally and via a pain pump received a rude awakening when they went to the Skyline Medical Clinic to learn that Dr. Mann could not see them.

This patient was on their last dosage and needed a doctor. Because Dr. Mann's license was suspended, the patient could not even get their file so they could find another doctor for treatment.

The patient has been through hoop after hoop and social services, the state, the board or other physicians either could not offer assistance or did not know what to do. The Arkansas State Medical Board has its role to protect patients and to ensure only qualified physicians practice medicine in the state of Arkansas.

That is an important role, but when patients are paying the price, we must look for a better way to care for patients caught in the middle..

The punishment is for the doctor if proven guilty, not the patients. A safety net or referral system would be a good start. Patients should be able to access their medical records to continue treatment when their doctor has been suspended by the board.

There might be some serious issues with Dr. Mann's practices and procedures and there might not be. Making statements on those issues right now would merely be speculation.

Punishments that don't fit the offense are unjust. Punishing patients who saw a doctor who had his license suspended are uncalled for.

There has to be a better way to ensure quality medical care in times like these.

As always, call 968-5252 or e-mail editor@couriernews.com with any suggestions or story ideas.